Red Drum vs Swordfish
Sciaenops ocellatus compared with Xiphias gladius
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Red Drum | Swordfish |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sciaenops ocellatus | Xiphias gladius |
| Order | Perciformes | Istiophoriformes |
| Family | Sciaenidae | Xiphiidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Red Drum | Swordfish |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 155.0 cm | 455.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 45.0 kg | 650.0 kg |
| Color | Coppery-bronze to reddish-orange flanks with a characteristic black eyespot at the upper tail base; back is darker bronze-olive; belly pale to silvery; fins match body tone with dusky margins. | Dark brown to blackish-purple back contrasting sharply with a pale cream-white belly; sides are dull bronze-brown; large crescent-shaped tail fin is dark; skin scaleless and leathery. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Red Drum | Swordfish |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater & Saltwater | Saltwater |
| Depth Range | 10-?m | 0-2878m |
| Geographic Range | Western North Atlantic from Massachusetts south through the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean. Adults favor open nearshore reefs and coastal surf zones while juveniles inhabit … | Cosmopolitan in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide, including the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans. Makes deep vertical migrations between surface feeding and depths … |
| Habitat | Estuaries | Oceanic and neritic zones worldwide in temperate and tropical seas; surface to 650m. Highly migratory, following prey into cold, productive upwelling zones. Rarely found near … |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Red Drum | Swordfish |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | 7/10 | 9/10 |
| World Record | — | — |
| Mercury Level | — | — |
Cuisine & Edibility
Red Drum
Firm, white flesh with a mild, sweet flavor and moderate fat; smaller fish (under 27 inches) are the best table size. Famous as 'blackened redfish' — a Louisiana Cajun culinary classic.
Swordfish
Dense, meaty flesh with a mild, slightly sweet flavor; moderate fat and steak-like texture. Ideal for grilling, broiling, or searing; pairs well with lemon-herb or citrus salsas.
Species Overview
Red Drum
The red drum, or redfish, is an iconic inshore game fish of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Identified by the distinctive black spot at the base of its tail, it feeds by tipping head-down in shallow water, exposing its copper-colored tail.
Swordfish
The swordfish is a highly migratory pelagic predator recognized by its long, flat, pointed bill. It can dive to depths exceeding 2,800 meters and possesses a specialized organ that heats its eyes and brain for improved vision in cold, deep water.